Natural Wonders of Iceland and Norway

Today you will enjoy the classic Golden Circle excursion, one of Iceland’s most beloved experiences. This journey brings you to some of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders, including Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the way, you will also learn how Icelanders grow vegetables year-round in a land that receives limited daylight for much of the winter.

Your first stop is the Geysir geothermal area in South Iceland, near Lake Laugarvatn. Named after the now mostly dormant geyser Geysir, this region lent its name to all geysers in the world. Today, the star of the show is Strokkur, which erupts every few minutes, sending steaming water up to 30 metres (98 feet) into the air.

Continue to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls. This powerful three-step cascade is part of the glacial river Hvítá and plunges into a dramatic 62-metre (105-foot) canyon. In the early 20th century, there were plans to harness the falls for hydroelectric power, but thanks to determined locals, Gullfoss remains untouched in its natural glory.

Your final stop is Þingvellir National Park, a site of immense geological and historical importance. This is the birthplace of Alþingi, the world’s oldest parliament, and one of the few places on Earth where you can see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rising above ground. Here, the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates slowly drift apart, pulling Iceland open by a few centimetres each year.

• Breakfast
• Fosshotel Reykjavik

South Iceland is known for being one of the flattest regions in the country. Thanks to this geography, most of Iceland’s grain farming takes place here. The tall mountains to the north help shield the area from the harshest northern winds, creating a more favorable environment for agriculture.

Among today’s highlights are visits to the beautiful Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Seljalandsfoss is fed by the Seljandsá River, which originates at the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. What makes this waterfall especially famous is the walking path that leads behind the curtain of water. If you plan to try this short but memorable walk, we recommend bringing a raincoat or waterproof jacket.

Next is Skógafoss, another iconic Icelandic waterfall and the starting point of the famous Fimmvörðuháls hiking route leading to Þórsmörk. Movie fans may recognize Skógafoss from the films Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

We will also visit Reynisfjara black sand beach, known for its dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks and striking columnar basalt formations. This is one of Iceland’s most spectacular beaches, but it can be dangerous due to strong waves. We kindly ask guests to follow all safety guidelines and avoid going too close to the ocean.

Another fascinating site along the South Coast is the Sólheimasandur plane wreck. In 1973, a United States Navy DC aircraft made an emergency landing on this black-sand plain after running out of fuel—fortunately, everyone survived. The remains of the plane still rest on the beach close to the sea. There is no marked road leading to the wreck, so reaching it requires a longer walk across the sand.

We will also stop by Sólheimajökull, where you can walk up to a small lake formed at the base of the retreating glacier. This area offers excellent views of the ice and provides an up-close look at Iceland’s ever-changing natural landscapes.

• Breakfast
• Fosshotel Reykjavik

After breakfast, enjoy some last-minute shopping in Reykjavík, or, if time allows, choose one of the optional activities available in the city.

Fly from Reykjavík to Oslo. Welcome to the Kingdom of Norway, a land celebrated for having some of the most spectacular fjords on Earth.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Later today, you will meet your tour escort and the rest of your group as you prepare to begin your unforgettable adventure through the magnificent Norwegian fjords.

• Breakfat
• Clarion the Hub or similar

Meet your local guide at the hotel reception and depart for a 3-hour guided sightseeing tour of Oslo, beginning at 11:00 am. Your tour will highlight the city’s most iconic and culturally significant landmarks. Stroll through Frogner Park, home to the remarkable Vigeland Sculpture Installation, featuring over 200 bronze and granite sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Admire the grandeur of the Royal Palace, the official residence of Norway’s monarch, and learn about its history and surrounding gardens.

Continue to City Hall, renowned for its striking architecture and colorful murals that depict Norway’s history, culture, and everyday life. Conclude your tour with a visit to Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle that has guarded the Oslo Fjord for centuries. Walk along its ramparts, take in panoramic views of the harbor, and hear stories of the fortress’ rich history, from the Viking era to modern times.

This guided tour offers an ideal introduction to Oslo, blending art, history, and architecture, while giving you a sense of the city’s vibrant energy and cultural heritage.

• Breakfast
• Clarion the Hub or similar

Today’s journey takes you from Oslo to Balestrand, combining spectacular train and fjord experiences through some of Norway’s most iconic landscapes.

Board the Bergen Railway in Oslo and travel towards Myrdal, a mountain railway junction nestled about 13 km from Flåm. From Myrdal Station, you will board the famous Flåmsbana Railway, one of the steepest train lines in the world. The scenic journey descends through towering mountains, past spectacular waterfalls, and along the historic Rallar Road, passing over 20 tunnels and offering multiple breathtaking viewpoints of the surrounding fjords and valleys.

Arrive in the charming village of Flåm, where you will have some free time to explore and soak in the stunning surroundings.

From Flåm, embark on a scenic cruise along the Aurlandsfjord, a 17-kilometer arm of the world’s second-longest fjord, the Sognefjord, often called the King of Norway. The fjord is renowned for its dramatic scenery, steep cliffs, and picturesque villages, making it one of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Your cruise continues until you reach Balestrand, where the journey concludes.

• Breakfast
• Hotel Kviknes or silmilar

Today is at leisure to explore the region on your own.

Optional: Half-Day Excursion to Fjærland
This round-trip from Balestrand to Fjærland includes visits to Bøyabreen, Supphellebreen, and the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Sail through the stunning Fjærland Fjord, enjoying breathtaking views of steep mountains, the vibrant green fjord, and the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival in Fjærland, a shuttle bus will take you to the Norwegian Glacier Museum, where you can experience Ivo Caprino's panoramic film about the Jostedalen Glacier and explore the museum’s fascinating exhibitions.

The excursion continues by coach to the two magnificent glaciers, Supphellebreen and Bøyabreen, before returning to Fjærland. The day concludes with a scenic boat trip back to Hella/Balestrand. Transportation to the glaciers and museum entrance are included in the round-trip fare.

We recommend booking this excursion when reserving your tour, as availability cannot be guaranteed if booked upon arrival in Norway.

• Breakfast / Dinner
• Kviknes Hotel

Begin your journey from the picturesque village of Balestrand, nestled on the tranquil shores of the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and most scenic fjord. Board your cruise and relax as you glide through dramatic landscapes, with steep cliffs rising from the water, cascading waterfalls, and charming villages dotting the shoreline.

As you sail along the fjord, enjoy panoramic views of verdant mountains, peaceful farmsteads, and crystal-clear waters that mirror the surrounding peaks. This scenic cruise is the perfect way to experience the majesty of the Sognefjord, often called the King of Norway’s fjords, and to take in the beauty of Norway’s unspoiled natural landscapes from the water.

Arrive in Bergen, Norway’s historic gateway to the fjords. Take in the vibrant harbor, stroll along the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf with its colorful wooden houses, and feel the energy of this lively city. The cruise from Balestrand to Bergen offers a relaxing yet unforgettable way to experience some of Norway’s most iconic scenery.

• Breakfast / Dinner
• Hotel Zander K or similar

Discover Bergen, a city steeped in history and natural beauty. Known as the Gateway to the Fjords of Norway, Bergen is both a UNESCO World Heritage City and a European City of Culture. The region offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and vibrant urban life throughout the year.

At 10:00, meet your local guide at the hotel reception for a walking tour of Bergen. Explore the city’s most iconic sites, including the Hanseatic Bryggen, the Church of Mary, and Håkon’s Fortress. Visit the famous Bergen Fish Market, where you can experience the local culinary culture. For panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords, take a ride on the Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen.

• Breakfast
• Hotel Zander K

After breakfast, transfer to the airport

• Breakfast
• Transfer to the airport